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While science still tries to sort out the
reasons, the evidence is indisputable, optimal Vitamin D saves lives
Mounting evidence is now making an old piece of medical
advice look inadequate. The advice was what medical professionals have
given patients for years regarding boosting their Vitamin D
levels. Because the active form of Vitamin D is produced through
a reaction in the skin with its precursor and sunlight, doctor's
have told their patients that simply exposing their hands and arms to
sunlight for 15 minutes a day would produce healthy levels. It
now seems this was wrong.
Why is this important? Because research is now
showing that Vitamin D, actually a prohormone, helps protect against
1-Breast cancer
2-Prostate cancer
3-Gastrointestinal cancers.
Optimal levels also have been shown to enhance cancer
treatments
While the discussion on Vitamin D could take pages, what do
you need to know?
Need to know
1-It is estimated that 90 % of those in the Pacific
Northwest are deficient in Vitamin D.(Studies have shown that 50% of
the Hawaiian Islanders are deficient)
2-Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, so it is stored in the
liver and fat. Because it is fat soluble, levels need to be
tested and monitored to make sure it doesn't go too high. Because
you will need to take doses higher than the RDA to boost your
levels, you will need to do this under the direction of a physician.
(Please note that the dose of Vitamin D in a typical daily vitamin
will not get you to optimal levels)
3-Vitamin D at your supplement store isn't expensive. It is
very reasonably priced. I recommend getting Vitamin D3. Don't
get the D2 version. Also, I prefer the "dry tablet" form,
but you can get gel capsules if you want. You should get the 1000u
dosage.
4-Regular testing for this is has not been a part of your
annual physical laboratory blood work. Only recently have some
doctors started ordering routinely.
5-You need to ask your doctor
to run a
"25-OH Vitamin D test"
6-Labs will send back results that say normal range is from
20-60. This might mean your doctor will tell you you are normal,
even if you are at a level of 25. Levels below 60 are far from
optimal. (Except for those with Sarcoidosis. These patients have
different requirements)
7-I maintain my levels between 60-80. I recommend you
do this also. Discuss this with your doctor.
8-If you are low, then start by taking 1000u on Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and take 5000u on Wednesday. Then test
your levels after 3 months. (Check with your doctor to make sure
they don't have their own protocol they prefer to follow)
* for those with levels above 50, during the summer if
you are out in the sun a lot, cut back to 1000u----4 to 5 days
a week
References:
Low Vitamin D Tied to Back Pain in Older
Women-Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, May 2008.
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Phone 253-517-8846
Copyright © 2007 Dr. Scott Fox
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These
products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Contact your primary care provider prior to adding, changing, or
stopping any medications you may be taking, or adding any
supplements to the medications you take. A thorough discussion with
your primary care physician is imperative prior to any changes in
medications or supplements.
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